Chronic Ankle Instability: When a Simple Sprain Becomes a Long Term Problem
What is Chronic Ankle Instability?
Chronic Ankle Instability (CAI) is the persistent instability of the ankle joint after an acute ankle sprain. It is often characterised as the feeling of “giving way” when doing daily activities or exercise long after the initial ankle sprain.
CAI most often occurs in patient who experienced an ankle sprain and returned to sport/activity too quickly! This results in an interrupted healing process of the affected ligaments and tendons. Research has shown that for up to 8 weeks post injury there will be persistent instability in an affected ankle. Therefore, returning to sport post acute ankle sprain without seeing a medical professional may result in exacerbation of this mechanical instability.
Who it Affects
Studies have found that 33% of people who have experienced an ankle sprain in the past have symptoms of CAI. Interestingly, the likelihood of developing CAI is not correlated to how severe the ankle sprain was; with research showing that all severities of ankle sprains are just as likely to develop the long standing symptoms of CAI.
CAI has been reported to result in lower levels of participation in exercise/sports and associated reductions in quality of life. CAI also increases a persons chance of developing osteoarthritis in the affected ankle later in life.
What Causes Ankle Instability
As we can see below, there are an array of causes for CAI, ranging from tight muscles all the way to dynamic balance issues, each of which has a specific treatment process.
Treatment for Chronic Ankle Instability
Treatment varies greatly from patient to patient and hinges on what is actually causing the ankle instability. Often a treatment program will consist of a selection of exercises, stretches and manual therapy that will progress with you as your symptoms improve.
Ankle taping and bracing have been shown to be effective in stabilising an ankle. We recommend all patients who have experienced an ankle sprain to continue to tape there ankle for up to a year post original injury!
When To See a Podiatrist
If you have experienced a ankle sprain recently (or even years later) and still feel a persistent instability or shooting pain in the ankle when participating in exercise, come see a podiatrist for a full assessment of your biomechanics so we can tailor a treatment plan specific to your condition.
